SOFF funding needs to progressively achieve and sustain GBON compliance in all 68 LDCs and SIDS over an initial 5-year implementation period correspond to USD 400 million. Sustaining GBON and its data-sharing over time is expected to require USD 50 million per year subsequently. This amount is negligible in comparison with the estimated global benefits of improved weather observations, early warning and climate information for disaster risk management and adaptation to climate change. The aim is to mobilize at least USD 200 million by UNFCCC COP 26 and to secure the remaining resources in 2022.
Today’s investments in observing systems by the major climate and development finance institutions that form the Alliance for Hydromet Development are of a similar magnitude to the SOFF funding needs. However, current investments are confronted with massive sustainability challenges that translate into substantial data sharing gaps. SOFF will not only tackle these challenges but will also lead to an up to 20-fold increase of essential weather and climate data internationally shared by SOFF beneficiary countries.
